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Firefighters reported that 100 per cent of the upstairs of the property was damaged by flame, heat and smoke.

The downstairs had around 10 per cent flame and smoke damage.

The fire and rescue service has confirmed that no one was inside the property at the time of the fire and neighbours believe that the man who lives in the home is away.

There is extensive damage to the house in Thorpe Astley (Image: Chris Gordon)

Christine Hurst, who lives a few doors down from the fire damaged house said: "We were in the lounge and I started to smell smoke, I have got two sons and I asked if one had got a candle or had burnt toast.

"We looked out the window and could see smoke at the front but nothing at the back.

"My eldest son phoned the fire brigade at about five past 10 and they were pretty quick, we think they were here within about seven minutes."

Mrs Hurst's husband and her other son then went out to let the neighbours know about the fire and she stayed by the phone.